August 12, 2002 - Mayor Greg
Nickels' and Councilmember Jan Drago's legislative measures to reduce public inebriation in
Pioneer Square and to help businesses repair earthquake damage were approved by the City
Council today.
The Council voted 8 to 0 to establish an Alcohol Impact Area
(AIA) in Pioneer Square. Pending approval by the Washington State Liquor Control Board, the
measure would restrict alcohol sales to reduce chronic public inebriation in the area.>/p>
"This is a good step in dealing with the tragedy of chronic
public drunkenness, and I applaud the City Council for supporting the AIA," said Mayor Greg
Nickels.
"I am pleased we have reached this point," said Councilmember Jan Drago, a Pioneer Square
resident and longtime advocate of the AIA. "It is time to move forward to start solving the
problem."
The AIA measure would ban the sale of alcohol between six and
nine a.m., and would ban 24 hours a day the sale of single cans and bottles of any beer or
malt products. The Liquor Control Board and the City of Seattle would enforce the alcohol
bans.
Nickels and Drago said they support exploring AIA designations
in other Seattle neighborhoods affected by chronic public inebriation.
By a vote of 8 to 0, the Council also approved Nickels'
legislation to fund earthquake repairs in Pioneer Square. The measure provides a $15.5
million Section 108 federal loan pool and a $1.75 million federal grant.
"Pioneer Square is the heart and soul of Seattle. It's great we
can help this vital neighborhood rebuild from the earthquake. Pioneer Square will be stronger
and more vibrant as these projects are completed," said Mayor Nickels.
"Support by the City for these funds will serve to strengthen
our downtown communities, encourage vital economic development and build on earlier successes
for historic preservation in Pioneer Square," said Council President Steinbrueck.
The legislation authorizes the first three buildings to receive
loans for repairs including 211 First Avenue, the Buttnick Building and the City Loan Building.
For more information, visit the Mayor's Web Site
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